PVC Initiative for Good Governance Diaspora (PIGGD) has congratulated President Faye Bassirou of Senegal who officially took over the baton of leadership on the 1st of April in the West African nation characterized by political and economic uncertainty.
The pro democracy group in a statement signed by its President General, Mr Wisdom Opara, urged President Faye to prioritise the welfare, interest and empowerment of the youths of Senegal as he hit the ground running.
Comrade Wisdom admonished him not to disappoint the people of Senegal that elected him but rather should be an exemplar of the rich ideas, innovativeness and transformative energy of youths in Africa and beyond.
The statement reads, “We urge you to put the interests of the youths of Senegal first before any other consideration. Work hard to show that the youths can also be relied on in the continent.
“Make sure you keep to your campaign promises and be a good ambassador of not just the youths of Senegal but the entire continent. Besides, Don’t betray opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, since you are now the ultimate beneficiary of his struggles, political persecution and imprisonment.
“Never forget that the sacrifices he made contributed immensely in your emergence as Senegal’s incoming President. Above all, work with all positive and progressive forces in Senegal to build the country.”
“I most earnestly enjoin you to immediately release all political detainees incarcerated by Mr. Sall. Also ensure that all those that died during the struggle to defend the country’s constitution and democracy are accorded special honour by remembering their families.”
Recall that in March PIGGD had called on ECOWAS to rise to the occasion of saving Senegal from sliding into chaos after former President Macky Sall postponed the nation’s general election.
The group in a statement urged the regional bloc to reign in Mr Macky Sall to avoid the chaotic path he was leading the country into.
“The President of ECOWAS should rise to this occasion, reign on President Macky Sall to avoid the chaotic path he is leading Senegal into – a once peaceful country is now facing violence that could tear the country apart. ECOWAS must avoid further destabilization of Africa.
“Sall’s dispositions – leading to postponement of elections is against ECOWAS charter and African charter on elections. Technically stopping constitutional election is invite to anarchy. Human rights are trampled upon and protesting Senegalese are mishandled. Macky Sall cannot be above the charters signed by Senegal. A proactive action should be taken to avoid political instability and violence in Senegal.
“With Niger, the role of ECOWAS in bringing democratic stability in West Africa was critically assessed, casting doubt on it’s ability to sustain democracy across west african States. Senegal presents a massive test for the faltering bloc which had allowed Burkina Faso, Mali and lately Niger to undermine democratic values.”
Opara also accused Mr Sall of undermining democratic values in the region, adding that there is already a political instability and protests across the country, which is creating artificial chaos following his unholy effort to stick to power.
“Macky Sall of Senegal is on the path of undermining democratic values, he must be cautioned and debriefed on maintaining democratic institution that brought him into power. ECOWAS must not fold hands and watch the bastardization of democracy in Senegal.
“PIGGD is disappointed with the President of Senegal who has allowed his political ambition to becloud his sense of judgement. There is already a political instability and protests across the country, creating artificial chaos due to his unholy effort to cling onto power. Whatsoever that can bring peace is not costly”, the statement partly read.
